On August 21, 1878, something happened that would reshape the American legal landscape for generations to come. Seventy-five lawyers, representing twenty states and the District of Columbia, convened in Saratoga Springs, New York, with an ambitious vision: to create what would eventually grow into the largest voluntary professional association of lawyers in the United States — the American Bar Association (ABA). The legal world at that point was deeply fragmented. The vast majority of attorneys worked as sole practitioners, having learned their craft through apprenticeships rather than formal schooling. No national code of ethics existed, and no unified body was in place to grapple with the mounting complexities facing legal practice.

Purpose and Early Mission

From the outset, the ABA set its sights high. Its inaugural constitution laid out sweeping objectives: advancing jurisprudence, improving the administration of justice, and fostering uniformity in laws across the country. Beyond that, the organization sought to elevate professional standards, cultivate ethical conduct among practitioners, and serve as a national platform where pressing legal questions could be debated and addressed.

Key Milestones in ABA History

  • 1918 – Inclusion of Women: The ABA opened its doors to women for the first time when Judge Mary Belle Grossman and Mary Florence Lathrop became its first female members.
  • 1943 – End of Racial Exclusion: Following years of exclusionary practices — and mounting public criticism paired with internal dissent — the ABA finally began admitting African American members.
  • 1921 – Legal Education Standards: Formal standards for law schools were adopted by the ABA, laying the groundwork for its law school accreditation authority, which was officially established in 1952.
  • 1974 – Legal Services Corporation: The ABA was instrumental in creating this federally funded nonprofit organization, designed to deliver civil legal aid to low-income Americans.
  • 1990 – Rule of Law Initiative: In the wake of the Berlin Wall's collapse, the ABA launched international programs aimed at promoting legal reform and bolstering justice systems around the globe.

Perhaps no function has carried more weight than the ABA's role as the accrediting body for U.S. law schools — a responsibility recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. In most states, graduating from an ABA-accredited institution is a requirement before a candidate can even sit for the bar exam. Additionally, the organization crafts model rules of professional conduct that numerous jurisdictions either adopt wholesale or adapt to serve as their own ethics frameworks.

Throughout its history, the ABA has made its presence felt in public policy discussions, championing access to justice and standing firm in defense of the rule of law. Its reach has extended into debates on civil rights, judicial independence, and beyond. The organization's committees also evaluate federal judicial nominees — a practice that, despite drawing occasional criticism, continues to carry considerable weight.

Over the years, the ABA has dedicated itself to broadening diversity within the legal profession, confronting bias, and opening doors for public service. Programs like the Commission on Women in the Profession and the Rule of Law Initiative reflect a mission that stretches well beyond serving its own membership.

Today's ABA

Headquartered in Chicago and maintaining a branch office in Washington, D.C., the ABA remains a vital resource for the legal community. It serves hundreds of thousands of members through continuing legal education, professional networking opportunities, advocacy resources, and career development services.